The Complete Confection will feature tracks that didn’t make it on the original album. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream Photo: Capitol Records gave fans their Teenage Dream when she dropped the album back in 2010, and now fans should expect to experience a bit of d
‘It’s album-quality music, it’s not just a bunch of throwaways,’ Green Lantern tells Mixtape Daily of Maino’s I Am Who I Am . By Rob Markman Maino Photo: MTV News Main Pick Headliners : Maino and DJ Green Lantern Representing : Brooklyn, New York Mixtape : I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album Real Spit : While Maino is known to keep close ties with the streets, the Brooklyn MC has a knack for making rap hits that transcend his ‘hood. From 2008’s “Hi Hater” to his T-Pain-assisted “All the Above” and his current Lil Wayne-featured banger “Cream,” Main has managed to keep a stash of radio gems but has never compromised his underground appeal. Now, as he gets set to finally release his sophomore album, The Day After Tomorrow, Maino leads first with a mixtape prelude, I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album . “It’s the album before the album, it’s album-quality music, it’s not just a bunch of throwaways,” the tape’s disc jock Green Lantern told Mixtape Daily. “With mixtapes, a lot of times, a lot of people do something where they’re rhyming over other people’s beats, they freestyling and stuff like that. I wanted to do something that was a little bit more different and something that I was used to doing,” Maino said. “I feel like one of my strong points is making hot records, making songs. So I wanted to do that right before my album was gonna drop.” I Am Who I Am features a handful of street odes. “Cream,” with Lil Wayne, is included, and why wouldn’t it be? The repetitive Rick Ross sample on the hook makes it memorable, while Main and Weezy’s focused vocals make it bang. “Yes Yes Ya’ll” featuring Lloyd Banks is another winner. The Hustle Hard boss trades bars with Banks over a bouncy beat that draws inspiration from Peedi Crakk’s 2003 single “One for Peedi Crakk.” Then there is “Last of the Mohicans” with Push! Montana. Over the pounding drum track, Maino and Montana rhyme about their struggles coming up. They draw a clear distinction on the song between themselves and the rappers who only portray a gangster’s lifestyle. Maino truly embodies everything that he raps about on I Am Who I Am and that’s what makes his tape so compelling. And just to think, this is only The Album Before the Album . Next up: The Day After Tomorrow. Joints to Check For
‘He’s not walking away from this,’ a source close to Swizz tells MTV News. By Rob Markman Swizz Beatz Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Swizz Beatz is not the CEO of Megaupload, the file-sharing website that was shut down by the federal government on January 19, as was previously reported. A source very familiar with Swizz’s situation cleared the air for MTV News late Saturday night, but contends that the multi-platinum producer is still seriously involved with the company, though he wasn’t named in the federal indictment against Megaupload and is no way connected to the crimes of which they are being accused. “He’s not walking away from this,” the source told MTV News. Before Megaupload was shut down, Swizz Beatz (nee Kasseem Dean) was listed on the company’s “About Us” page as the CEO. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that while Beatz, husband to R&B star Alicia Keys, was in negotiations to run the company, the ink on the deal wasn’t dry. So why was Swizz’s name listed as CEO on Megaupload’s site? “They put that up prematurely,” our source said. On Thursday, the feds shut down the site and arrested several members of the company, hitting them with multiple racketeering and copyright infringement charges. A federal indictment alleges that the site, which allows users to transfer large files, has generated more than $175 million in criminal proceeds and cost copyright-holders more than $500 million in lost revenue from pirated movies, albums and other materials. The company’s founder, Kim Dotcom (a.k.a. Kim Schmitz), was among those arrested. However, the crimes that Megaupload is being accused of all pre-date Swizz’s involvement, MTV News was told. Swizz, who has produced for DMX, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige, to name a few, became involved with the company over the last several months. Beatz, as well as Kanye West, Diddy, will.i.am and other notable musicians, appeared in a series of video testimonies and even a music video that supported Megaupload’s efforts. According to our source, Swizz and Megaupload were exploring “new ways of getting music to consumers,” and we were told that the producer/rapper is still excited by the possibilities. After the legal matter is resolved, it is still possible that Swizz Beatz will officially join Megaupload as the company’s CEO. What do you think of Swizz’s involvement with Megaupload and it’s shut-down by the feds? Tell us in the comments. Related Artists Swizz Beatz
Singer was seen in Park City at the red carpet for ‘Ethel,’ an upcoming HBO documentary. By Josh Wigler Taylor Swift attends the premiere of “Ethel” at Sundance on Friday Photo: Jonathan Leibson/ Getty Images PARK CITY, Utah — The Sundance Film Festival is no stranger to seeing masses of unexpected celebrities flocking to the snowy hills of Park City, but that didn’t stop the surprise appearance of singer/songwriter Taylor Swift from attracting a crowd. The “Back to December” singer hit Sundance on Friday (January 20) to attend the red-carpet premiere of “Ethel,” the HBO documentary chronicling the life of Ethel Kennedy. Indeed, a grand total of 23 members of the Kennedy clan were on hand, including the documentary’s director Rory, daughter of Ethel. What exactly prompted Taylor’s attendance at the “Ethel” red carpet? According to the musician herself in a recent interview with Vogue, Taylor had an encounter with the 83-year-old Ethel some weeks ago. Describing the woman as “effervescent,” Taylor said the meeting with the wife of the late Robert Kennedy left her feeling “starstruck” for the first time in her life. “The only time in my life I have ever been starstruck was meeting Caroline and Ethel Kennedy,” she told the magazine. “I got to spend the afternoon with Ethel a couple of weeks ago. She is one of my favorites, because you look back at the pictures of her and Bobby, and they always look like they are having the most fun out of everybody. You know, 11 kids, all these exotic animals on their property. I’ve read a lot about them.” Taylor wasn’t the only non-Kennedy who showed up to the “Ethel” red carpet. Sundance founder and legendary actor Robert Redford also hit the scene to show his appreciation and admiration for the project — and to pose for a few photos with Swift. The 2012 Sundance Film Festival is officially under way, and the MTV Movies team is on the ground reporting on the hottest stars and the movies everyone will be talking about in the year to come. Keep it locked with MTV Movies for everything there is to know about Sundance. Related Videos Sundance 2012: Interviews From Park City Related Photos Celebrities Hit The Ground At Sundance 2012 Film Fest Related Artists Taylor Swift
‘Fans should be able to check this out and just see my visualization of the song,’ ‘Community’ star-turned-rapper tells MTV News. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ross McAlpine Childish Gambino Photo: MTV News Don’t call Childish Gambino ‘s upcoming “Heartbeat” clip a video; rather, it’s a reflection of how the actor-turned-rapper was feeling when he recorded it. “I do not really have a set of things in mind. I thought the best way to convey the feeling that’s in the song was to be confused ourselves,” Childish Gambino, a.k.a. “Community” star Donald Glover, told MTV News last week during a break from filming the clip in Van Nuys, California. “I guess when it’s all said and done, fans should be able to check this out and just see my visualization of the song.” “Heartbeat” — from CG’s debut album, Camp — is an electrified breakup song equipped with pulsating drums and buzzing synth chords. The rapper, who is better known (for now) for his role as Troy Barnes on “Community,” enlisted director Kyle Newacheck to shoot the visual. Newacheck directed an episode of the NBC comedy back in 2009. In the month leading up to his November release, Childish told MTV News that Camp was a “labor of love.” With the independently released LP, Gambino aimed to tell a story. “The biggest compliment I can give it is that I like it more than everything else I’ve done,” he said. “I think it’s a cohesive piece, and I wanted to tell a whole story with it. Hopefully, the whole album is like a book or a novel where [there’s] a through line.” “Heartbeat” is simply a chapter in that story, and its video will be reflective. “This is kinda like the mood of the song,” Gambino said. “I wouldn’t say it’s so much a video as much as it is just a mood.” What are you expecting from Childish’s “Heartbeat” video? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists Childish Gambino
‘I believe in Pill, and I’m sure Rozay believes in Pill, and we wish him the best,’ Wale tells MTV News of former Maybach Music comrade. By Rob Markman Wale Photo: MTV News There is no love lost between Maybach Music and Pill . Earlier this month, the Atlanta MC dropped a bomb when he revealed that he was working to terminate his deal with Warner Music Group and leave Rick Ross ‘ Maybach Music crew. There isn’t any beef with Wale , though; the D.C. spitter told MTV News he still supports his former MMG comrade. “Personal is personal, business is business. I’m friends with people that I’ve fired, so I’ve been in the game long enough to understand [you need to] separate the two,” Wale said Wednesday when he walked the red carpet for the reopening of Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York. “So shout-out to Pill and what he’s doin’.” On December 28, Pill vented via Twitter , criticizing his label for not providing enough television and radio support. Though the “Trap Goin’ Ham” MC was featured heavily on Maybach’s 2011 Self Made Vol. 1 compilation, on January 3, he told MTV News he was never actually signed to Ross’ label. According to Pill, his recording contract was with MMG’s parent label, Warner Bros. Still, P-I-Double-L was included on a number of label-driven projects, appearing on the October XXL cover with Ross and company as well as a May 2011 episode of “RapFix Live” with Rozay, Wale and Meek Mill. In the end, however, things just didn’t work out. Though Pill is obviously frustrated, he maintains that he doesn’t harbor any ill will toward anyone in MMG. “I ain’t got nothing against none of them, nobody. It’s just the situation don’t work,” Pill said matter-of-factly. “I still support what he’s doin’; it just didn’t work out on the business side,” Wale echoed. “Everybody gets chances, though. Everybody gets second, third, fourth, fifth chances. I believe in Pill, and I’m sure Rozay believes in Pill, and we wish him the best.” What do you think of Wale’s support for Pill despite the MMG split? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Wale
Rapper Tyga , of Young Money was recently accused of abandoning a show at San Diego’s World Beat Center, where 1,200 fans began to riot due to his absence. He recently recorded a Ustream video where he addressed the issue. According to the “Rack City” rapper, he was booked to do a walk through of the venue but not to perform. Tyga goes on to say it isn’t about the money, therefore he will be doing a free show in San Diego. Tyga Accused Of Mob Activity In San Diego Tyga “Rack City” [NEW VIDEO] Tyga Arrested In Vegas!
Grammy season is upon us and one by one, new performers for the annual show are being announced! Rihanna and Coldplay are the latest additions to the roster. “My friends @ColdPlay and I will be sharing the stage for a performance at this years Annual Grammy Awards! #BONKERS,” tweeted Ri. Rihanna joins Nicki Minaj and several other artists including LL Cool J who is set to host the extravaganza! Rihanna Shows Off Sexy Silver Swimsuit [PHOTOS] Rihanna Sizzles in Emporio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2012 Underwear Ad Campaign
Swizz Beatz also onboard for U.S. and overseas dates, RR co-CEO Joaquin ‘Waah’ Dean tells MTV News. By Rob Markman DMX Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images At their height, Ruff Ryders were one of the most electrifying crews in rap. Now, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Eve and the LOX are planning to reunite on an upcoming Ruff Ryders Tour. “Everybody’s on deck. It’s just that we’re making sure all of the schedules are intact,” RR co-CEO Joaquin “Waah” Dean told MTV News. Dates are still being finalized, but Dean confirmed that he expects the tour to start between March and April. The plan is for the crew to begin their run overseas and then come over to the U.S. “We gonna take it nice and slow. We ain’t gonna do like how we used to do, 30 or 40 cities; we not gonna go that far just yet,” he said. “We gonna take it slow. Do a nice little five to 10 joints overseas and then some dates on this side just to build the momentum and have some fun with it.” “We are all family and we’re going to come back stronger than when we left. … It’s going to take the nation by storm,” DMX told TMZ on Thursday (January 19). When the story was first reported by TMZ, there was some question concerning the LOX’s involvement, but Dean insists that Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch will be onboard. “LOX is done; can’t do nothing without the LOX,” he boasted. In addition to all the original members of Ruff Ryders, the tour will also showcase RR’s new talent like Murda Mook. “We’re not starting from scratch, but we’re starting from a whole new generation who have to get familiar with us,” Waah said. Will you check out the Ruff Ryders Tour? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Ruff Ryders DMX Eve
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